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Tell me more about this power figure!

This power figure would be used by an entire community for protection. As instruments of protection and healing, the aesthetic characteristics are secondary to their effectiveness. Their effectiveness isn’t determined by the carving but rather by what combination of powerful ingredients (bishimba) are inserted into them by ritual specialists (nganga).

The raffia skirt and leather headdress symbolize the formal attire of chiefs, and thus help augment the spiritual power of the bishimba inside the figure. There are even snakeskins draped like necklaces, which likely serve to further emphasize the danger of the nkishi, helping it to counteract malevolent forces.

Power Figure (Nkishi)

Arts of Africa

While Western collectors value the visual impact of power figures, the ultimate importance of these sculptures to the Songye lies in their effectiveness as protectors of the community from malevolent forces and disease. The power of such figures depends on their ingredients (bishimba), concealed in the abdominal cavity, in the top of the head, or in a horn set into the cranium (missing from this piece). These hidden substances acquire potency and interact with the spirit world when assembled by the nganga, or ritual practitioner.

"CUR" at the beginning of an image file name means that the image was created by a curatorial staff member. These study images may be digital point-and-shoot photographs, when we don\'t yet have high-quality studio photography, or they may be scans of older negatives, slides, or photographic prints, providing historical documentation of the object.

CATALOGUE DESCRIPTION
Wooden figure with large head, protruding abdomen and no visible feet. The arms are at sides, hands holding belly. The figure is covered with numerous additions: a bandana-style headdress of animal skins hangs down the neck. A rope with amulets circles the head, while the neck holds five bands of various materials and thicknesses. One of these supports two interlocked rings: one of metal, the other a doughnut shaped padded leather (?) ring. The chest is surrounded by five thin twisted ropes. A voluminous skirt covers the lower torso. Many-layered cloth and leather strips, wooden dowels and a metal bell are suspended from a heavy, twisted belt. The front of the torso shows two thin metal rectangles protecting materials inside the abdominal cavity. They are nailed into place. The same technique is used on the face to decorate the nose and forehead. Tooled leather (?) strips decorate cheek and chin. Eyebrows are outlined with nail heads above large heavy-lidded eyes. The pursed mouth shows protruding organic material.

RECORD COMPLETENESS

Not every record you will find here is complete. More information is available for some works than for others, and some entries have been updated more recently. Records are frequently reviewed and revised, and we welcome any additional information you might have.

Download our app and ask your own questions during your visit. Here are some that others have asked.

Tell me more about this power figure!

This power figure would be used by an entire community for protection. As instruments of protection and healing, the aesthetic characteristics are secondary to their effectiveness. Their effectiveness isn’t determined by the carving but rather by what combination of powerful ingredients (bishimba) are inserted into them by ritual specialists (nganga).

The raffia skirt and leather headdress symbolize the formal attire of chiefs, and thus help augment the spiritual power of the bishimba inside the figure. There are even snakeskins draped like necklaces, which likely serve to further emphasize the danger of the nkishi, helping it to counteract malevolent forces.